Stargate SG-1, Season 6, Episode 1

"Redemption, Part 1"

images used above are courtesy of Gateworld and MGM

Overall Rating:  Excellent

Commentary by:
Martin Wood -- Director
James Tichenor -- Visual Effects Producer

The commentary is very informative, and interesting.  Lots of behind the scene information.  The commentary stays on point with what is on screen.

Review:
Three months after the events in "Meridian," SG-1 is off-world, running for the stargate, chased by a large number of the planet’s very angry inhabitants.  The team makes it back to SGC.  O’Neill’s knee is injured, and the ninth replacement for Daniel Jackson’s position in SG-1 is off the team.

Jonas Quinn lives on base at SGC, as Kelowna considers him a traitor.  He still blames himself for Daniel's injuries caused by the naquadria-bomb accident.  Teal’c is stoic about Daniel’s ascension, as ascension is the ultimate goal of many Jaffa who are at the end of their days.  Carter is cool towards Jonas, showing a disjointed mix of behavior towards him that wavers between acceptance and resentment.  O’Neill distances himself from Jonas, still angry that initially Jonas was willing to allow Daniel to be blamed for the naquadria-bomb accident.

Speaking of naquadria, a new flying craft is developed at Area 51 -- the X-302.  It is based on Goa’uld death gliders, but engineered from the ground up on Earth.  The X-302 flies in an atmosphere, or in space.  Additionally, the craft can also generate a hyperspace window, thanks to the naquadria pilfered from Kelowna by Jonas.

Colonel Chekov (“48 Hours”), the Russian envoy to SGC, wants a Russian to become the fourth member of SG-1.  Jonas Quinn also wants to become a member of SG-1.  O’Neill does not want either a Russian, or Jonas, on his SG team.  Jack is still hating on all things Russian.  Jonas’ initial unwillingness to come forth with the truth about what happened to Daniel left O’Neill not believing that Jonas Quinn is trustworthy.

Bra’tac gates to SGC with news for Teal’c.  Drey’auc is gravely ill.  Teal’c goes to Drey’auc, currently on the planet where the Free Jaffa movement is encamped.  There, he reunites with his son, Rya'c (“Family”), and checks on Drey’auc.

Later, SGC’s stargate activates.  No IDC is received, and no energy is detected coming through the wormhole.  Yet, the wormhole remains active, not shutting down even after the 38 minute window passes, the maximum time that a wormhole can continue (“There But For the Grace of God”).  Eventually, a build-up of energy is detected in the SGC stargate, a build-up that will lead to the destruction of the gate in a few days.  If the gate explodes, it will mean the end of life on Earth.  Unable to stop the energy feeding into their stargate, the decision is made to use the X-302 to contact an off-world ally for help.

“Redemption, Part 1” sets up a series of unrelated events that gradually begin to entwine.  Individual characters face the ramifications of their past actions, and wonder if there is any chance of redemption.  This is a very well written story, tying character driven plots with adventure.  All of the actors provide strong performances.  Chris Judge is outstanding in a brief scene between Teal’c and Rya'c.  Garry Chalk returns as Colonel Chekov, Tony Amendola is Bra'tac, and Neil Denis returns as Rya'c.

Failures:
None.